The Windows Start button returned to action in Windows 8.1. Unfortunately, Microsoft decided to give the Start button limited functionality.
Instead of taking users to their Start menu, the Windows 8.1 Start button takes users to their Metro app drawer. Some people consider it an improvement over the ‘no Start button’ approach, while others consider it a step backwards.
Today, we’re going to show you how to remove the Start button in Windows 8.1. You may want to remove the Start button if:
-You think it’s ugly
-You don’t like the way it’s positioned on your taskbar, which makes it look less like a button and more like just another app
-You keep accidentally clicking it and visiting your app drawer
-You didn’t want the Start button to return in the first place and liked the old setup in Windows 8
No matter why you want to get rid of your Start button, we’re here to help. Here are the best and most effective ways to hide your Windows 8.1 Start Menu button:
Option 1) Download StartIsGone
StartIsGone does exactly what you think it does: removes your Start button. It’s available from WinAero.com, which makes a range of third-party Windows 8 software solutions.
StartIsGone itself is a small, free download and will remove your Start button from the screen. However, if you ever want to access your Start button again, you can move your cursor to the corner of the screen, which will cause the button to reappear.
You can download StartIsGone free from here (although developers encourage donations): http://winaero.com/comment.php?comment.news.215
Option 2)Download 7+ Taskbar Tweaker
Despite the weird name, 7+ Taskbar Tweaker is an effective way to remove your Start button while also editing other aspects of Windows 8. Open 7+ Taskbar Tweaker and look in the lower left corner of the box to find the ‘Hide the Start Button’ option. Check that box and you’re done.
You can download 7+ Taskbar Tweaker for free from here: http://rammichael.com/7-taskbar-tweaker
Option 3) Make the Start button look better
Maybe you don’t hate the Start button, but just want to slightly improve it. If that’s the case, then I encourage you to use a tool called Pokki to restore your Windows 8 Start Menu to all its former glory.
Instead of taking you to the app drawer, the new Start button with Pokki opens a menu that is similar to the Start menu found in Windows 7. It is, however, slightly different and filled with improvements. You can add a range of favorite programs and apps to your Start menu for easy access. And best of all, you can click the ‘Shut Down’ button to easily shut down your computer – something that was astonishingly difficult in Windows 8.
You can download Pokki here: http://www.pokki.com/windows-8-start-menu
No matter which option you choose, it’s clear to see what Microsoft made a controversial decision when it got rid of its Start button.
